Detoxification of intestinal flora with Opuntia ficus-indica

The physicochemical/phytochemical characterization of prickly pear fruits as well as its actions on a certain number of physiological activities and digestive physiopathologies have been carried out. The study of their effect on the TGI confirmed that they possess anti-diarrheal activity. we have shown that acute pretreatment with fig juice and total extract allows a marked reduction in intestinal hypersecretion induced by castor oil. This inhibition is stronger by the juice compared to the total extract. They contain a significant antioxidant activity explained by its ROS scavenger effects. In the future, it will be a question of molecularly and more specifically characterizing the bioactive nutrients in order to determine the active principles and the exact mechanisms of action for the nutritional and pharmacological valorization of these fruits.

Autorentext

Dott. Dhekra GRAMIDottore in Scienze Biologiche, Assistente di Ricerca presso l'Unità di Fisiologia Funzionale e Valorizzazione delle Biorisorse, Istituto Superiore di Biotecnologie di Béja, Università di Jendouba.